Introduced less than a year ago, the latest-generation BMW 7 Series could spawn at least one new version by the end of the decade. According to a new report, BMW plans to launch a two-door coupe that would compete against the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe. The sporty 7 Series is rumored to arrive in dealerships as soon as 2019.

The luxury coupe is the first of several new versions the German automaker is considering for the 7 Series lineup, a person familiar with BMW's plan, who asked not to be named, told Bloomberg.

This isn't the first time that Bimmer has been said to have been considering a 7 Series coupe. Such a model was thought to be in the works back in 2013, when BMW unveiled the Pininfarina Gran Lusso V12 concept, but it wasn't yet clear whether the Germans are planning to expand the 7 Series family or revive the 8 Series. Now, with the latest S-Class having spawned numerous body styles and models, BMW is apparently looking to do the same with its range-topping nameplate. The fact that the 7 Series has fallen behind its rivals sales-wise in recent years also made a big impact on the company's decision to look beyond the familiar four-door sedan.

Word has it that Munich isn't planning to stop the expansion after the coupe. A convertible is also likely to follow, while a competitor for the Maybach-badged Merc is also on the drawing table if we are to believe previous reports. What's more, BMW might actually consider the much-anticipated M7, a full-fledged M car that would provide competition for the Mercedes-AMG S63. There's no information as to when all of these models will hit the streets, but it won't happen sooner than 2020.

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Why It Matters?

Sales of the BMW 7 Series have declined dramatically in recent years. While four years ago 7 Series sales were on par with the S-Class, deliveries have slid for BMW down to 40 percent below its main rival. And, while the 7 Series is still ahead of the Tesla Model S and Audi A8, the arrival of the next-generation A8 could send the Bimmer into third place in the U.S. Making matters worst, the brand-new 7 Series made little impact on the market, despite its redesigned exterior, new interior, and state-of-the-art tech. All told, BMW needs to bring something new to dealerships in order to boost sales, and a two-door coupe variant sounds like a good start. A more luxurious 7 Series to go against the Mercedes-Maybach model also sounds like a good idea, but an M7 is more likely to create enthusiasm among BMW fans, as well as bring new luxury sedan customers to the brand. But no matter which version will arrive first, BMW definitely needs to act fast and turn the 7 Series into a full lineup consisting of at least three different body styles.

BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé Concept

Read our full review on the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé Concept here.